"Camino Way Portuguese Coastal Way. This was an awesome journey. We enjoyed seeing the many places of walking through the countryside. So much fun."

Janice, Australia - June 2016

"Well organised. Walking the Portuguese Way with 13 other women in June/July 2016. Weather was great, luggage always arrived before us at our hotels, which were from good to great and the company was fabulous, our guide Ava was wonderful and I would recommend this trip to anyone wishing a walking holiday with like minded people."

The second section of our Portuguese Coastal Way #PortugueseCoastalWay or Caminho da Costa starts in the elegant seaside town of Baiona, in the heart of the Rías Baixas, famous for its Albariño white wine and delicious shellfish. This is a superb coastal Camino route, ideal for the Summer months. Visit the Monte Real castle, stroll along the port and go for a swim in the bay before you start your journey to Santiago. From Baiona, you will follow the coast towards Vigo, enjoying the views of the magnificent Illas Cíes and Vigo Bay. The Portuguese Coastal Way joins the classic Camino Portugues in the town of Redondela and it is here where you will start meeting fellow pilgrims. You will continue your Camino de Santiago passing the fishing village of Arcade, the lovely historic city of Pontevedra, the spa town of Caldas de Reis, Padrón and finally Santiago de Compostela where you can get your ‘Compostela’ certificate!

Start your Camino de Santiago in the elegant seaside town of Baiona: stroll along the port, visit the impressive Monte Real fortress and taste the best of the Rías Baixas seafood and white wine before you start your journey to Santiago de Compostela. Today you will follow the coast from Baiona to Nigrán and finally to the city of Vigo. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Bay of Vigo, with the magnificent Illas Cíes and its Natural Park in the horizon. On a hot day, stop at the blue flag beach Praia América in Nigrán for a quick swim.

15 km

Vigo to Redondela

From the city of Vigo, you will continue on your coastal Camino with the Bay of Vigo to your left. Today is quite a short day so you can enjoy a more relaxed pace. Your stop for the night is the town of Redondela where you will join the original Portuguese Camino.

20 km

Redondela to Pontevedra

Today is your last day along the coast and quite a short walking day so you can make the most of the seaside. Stop to try the famous oysters in the fishing village of Arcade. Your final point is the city of Pontevedra, with its pretty historic centre. At today is quite a short day so you will have time to explore the old town, with its many Romanesque churches and quaint granite squares.

21 km

Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis

Leaving Pontevedra, today, the Camino will take you through chestnut groves and pine and eucalyptus woods. In the village of Ponte Cabras you will see the rectory of Santa María de Alba. At Lombo da Maceira, a statue of Saint James with his walking stick will show you the way. On your way to Caldas de Reis you will pass the hamlet of Tivo with its lovely fountain and public washing bath.

19 km

Caldas de Reis to Padrón

From Caldas de Reis you will cross the river Umia and find the hot springs that have given the town its name since Roman times. The trail once again takes you to forests and gradually climbs to the village of Santa Mariña. You will continue on the Camino through pine forests to today’s destination: the town of Padrón. When the body of Saint James was being brought to Compostela by boat, Padrón was said to be the first land it reached.

12 km

Padrón to Santiago de Compostela

Today you will walk through a number of small villages on your way to the historical sanctuary of A Esclavitude. Nearby on a hilltop sit the ruins of a fort known as Castro Lupario. Visit the Church of Santa Maria de Teo. Shortly after this you will see some of the oldest wayside crosses in Galicia. As you make your way towards Agro dos Monteiros you will be able to see the spires of the cathedral in Compostela. You will pass the ruins of the castle of A Rocha Vella, as you approach Santiago de Compostela.

Easy Walking Split Option: Stay tonight in the village of Teo and split the walking day of 25km.

Santiago de Compostela

Take time to explore this gem of a city, small and vibrant. Its UNESCO listed old town will enchant you. In Santiago de Compostela you will find not only pilgrims but also locals and students, socialising and enjoying a few bites and glasses of wine in the many bars, restaurants and cosy cafes.

Accommodation

We have handpicked our hotels on the Camino de Santiago based on their character, facilities and comfort. You will usually arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon giving you plenty of time for a refreshing shower and a visit to the local village, or maybe just to unwind and relax yourself. Please note: Accommodation is subject to availability.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

We have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail.

Superior Collection

Stay in the best hotels on the Camino. We have selected luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, boutique guesthouses, relaxing country homes and stunning heritage ‘Parador’ hotels so you can feel pampered.

Weather

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us

Baiona

Vigo Airport 30km: From Vigo you can take a bus to Baiona. There are buses every 30 minutes from Vigo on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays there are buses every hour. The company providing this service is called ATSA and the buses are blue. See: http://atsahorarios.com/

Santiago de Compostela Airport 129km: From Santiago you can take the shuttle bus to the bus station or the train station. From there you can catch a bust to Vigo Bus Station (about 2 hours, see www.monbus.es) or a train (1 hour and 30 min approximately, see: www.renfe.es). From Vigo to Baiona you can take a bus, taking about 40 min (http://www.vigobus.com/, http://atsahorarios.com/)

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela Airport 12km: There is a shuttle bus from/ to the city to Santiago airport, departing every 30min. Bus stops include the city centre (Praza de Galicia), the bus station (Estación de Autobuses) and the train station (Estación de Ferrocarril). See www.empresafreire.com.

A Coruña Airport 70km: From Santiago you can take a train to A Coruña (30 min approximately) and then take a bus from Alfonso Molina (line 4051) to the airport (every 30 min, takes 20 min approximately). Monbus has services from Santiago to A Coruña Airport (every 3 hours), see monbus.es/en for details.

Vigo Airport 90km: From Santiago you can take a train to Vigo Guixar (see www.renfe.com) or a bus to Travesia de Vigo (every hour). You should then take a city bus from Travesia de Vigo to Vigo Airport (every 30 min).

Porto Airport 210km: There is a direct bus connection between Santiago (Estación de Autobuses) and Porto Airport once or twice a day (taking 4h or 6h resp.). See www.alsa.es.